East & Southern Africa
Mozambique
- Cabo Delgado
- Nampula
- Niassa
Background & Context
Understanding Violent
Extremism in Mozambique
The violent extremism (VE) in Cabo Delgado started in October 2017 when an extremist non-state armed group attacked a police station and district administration buildings in Mocimboa da Praia. The violence has escalated in the years since, spreading to the other two northern provinces, namely Nampula and Niassa. Security forces, with assistance from international actors, are continuing efforts to stabilise the region; however, the situation remains volatile.
GCERF'S UNIQUE INVESTMENT MODEL
Country
Support Mechanism
GCERF pioneers a unique investment model designed to promote a whole-of-society approach and ensure the sustainability of our programmes. Under this model, in each partner country, we support national governments in establishing a steering committee called the Country Support Mechanism (CSM).
In Mozambique, CSM is chaired by the Agency for the Integrated Development of the North (ADIN), with representatives from the ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Interior, Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, as well as Gender, Children and Social Action. CSM provides strategic direction for the programmes, ensure results and progressively inherits ownership of funding community-level efforts to prevent violent extremism.
Key Drivers of Violent Extremism
Socio-Economic Hardships
Lack of economic opportunities can contribute to the decision of people including youth to join violent extremist (VE) and terrorist groups.
Lack of Sense of Purpose
Low education attainment, limited employment opportunities and a crisis of identity among young men create fertile ground for extremist messaging.
Perceived Marginalisation
Communities feel excluded from political and economic life. Eroded trust in the state and security services and can be exploited by the VE groups.
Results at a Glance
Key Results
Investment & grant figures updated January 2026 · Programme results updated June 2025
Our Approach
Investment Strategy
in Mozambique
Promote Social Cohesion in the communities affected by violent extremism
Provide Economic Opportunities for Vulnerable Children and Youth to avoid joining non-state armed groups
Our IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS
Active Grants
in Mozambique
Impact in Action
Story of Change
Story of Change · Mozambique
Peace Ambassadors to Rebuild Trust and Restore Hope
In Mozambique, a few women and youth had to abandon their villages and community because of violent extremist groups. Maria is one such person who left her community, as she had to bear the consequences of her sons joining violent extremist groups. She returned with the support of a group of Peace Ambassadors, trained by one of GCERF’s civil society partners.
Impact in Action
Story of Change
Story of Change · Mozambique
Peace Ambassadors to Rebuild Trust and Restore Hope
In Mozambique, a few women and youth had to abandon their villages and community because of violent extremist groups. Maria is one such person who left her community, as she had to bear the consequences of her sons joining violent extremist groups. She returned with the support of a group of Peace Ambassadors, trained by one of GCERF’s civil society partners.